Dr. Patterson is one of the most influential Black veterinarians in United States history. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) from Iowa State University and Doctorate of Philosophy from Cornell University.
He became the third president of Tuskegee Institute in 1935 and established the United Negro College Fund in 1944. He coined the phrase “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
In 1987, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Streeter, Dr. Jasmine, and Sheba. “Recognizing Prominent African American Veterinarians.” The Skanner News, The Skanner News, 8 Feb. 2018, www.theskanner.com/opinion/commentary/26492-black-history-month-recognizes-prominent-african-american-veterinarians.